Earthquakes can occur at any time. More often than not, they strike without warning, leaving you little time to get out of the house. Here is an earthquake checklist with some simple and inexpensive steps you can take to safeguard against potential injury and property damage.
Earthquake Checklist:
■ Anchor bookcases and filing cabinets to nearby walls to prevent them from tipping over and spilling contents, which can block exits and cause injuries and damage.
■ Install latches on drawers and cabinet doors to keep contents from spilling out.
■ Install ledge barriers on shelves, place heavy items on lower shelves and secure large, heavy items and breakables directly to shelves to keep them from falling.
■ Attach computers and small appliances to desks, tables or counter tops with braces, hooks, loop closures or heavy glue to prevent overturning.
■ Secure a wall-mounted flat panel television to the wall to reduce its risk of falling on someone sitting or standing nearby, and to prevent damaging it.
■ Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and other hanging items, such as chandeliers and plants, to the permanent structure of your house.
■ Be sure to secure picture frames, bulletin boards and other wall-mounted equipment using closed screw-eyes to prevent falling.
■ Anchor large appliances to walls using safety cables or straps. Lock the rollers of any large appliances or pieces of furniture.
■ Secure water heater(s) to nearby walls to reduce the risk of movement or tipping, which can lead to costly water damage from a broken water pipe or spark a fire from a dislodged gas line.
■ Fit all gas appliances with flexible connections and a breakaway gas shut-off device, or install a main gas shut-off device. (Check your local building codes to determine whether you may install flexible connectors yourself or if a professional must do it).
If you want to learn more about perfecting your earthquake checklist, give our team a call at 360-414-8754.